The Case of The Maxwell Murder (Bow Street Society Book 5) by T.G. Campbell

Author:T.G. Campbell [Campbell, T.G.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2021-09-05T23:00:00+00:00

TWENTY-TWO

On a rainy night in September 1890, in a back office of the Bow Road police station, a small crowd had gathered. A dense haze, fuelled by tobacco and gas lamp smoke, filled the air, making the room feel smaller than it was. Nevertheless, the officers sat shoulder-to-shoulder around a narrow desk, behind which stood Sergeant John Conway and Inspector Richard Jones. Now aged thirty-seven and twenty-seven respectively, Conway had a thick dark-red beard, whilst Jones maintained a neat brown moustache. Everyone held a tin mug containing an inch or so of gin or brandy.

“I gotta say, sir; we wasn’t sure ‘bout you when you joined. We wasn’t even sure you’d come back after the first day you had,” Sergeant Conway said, drawing a few chuckles from those who could recall a soaking wet Constable Jones returning to Bow Road. A feisty drunk had taken a dislike to being arrested and punched him out of protest. Unfortunately, Constable Jones had been stood on the bank of the River Thames at the time. “But we’re glad you did. It’s been an honour workin’ with you, and we wish you all the best at the Yard.”

Loud murmurs of agreement sounded from the crowd.

“A toast.” Sergeant Conway raised his mug, prompting the others to do the same. “To the inspector, and all of them blighters who don’t know what’s comin’ to ‘em.”

“The inspector!” the others repeated, drinking to it immediately after.

“Thank you, John,” Inspector Jones said as he stood, and Sergeant Conway sat. “The less said about my first day the better.” He smiled at the further chuckles. “But in all seriousness, I’ll be the first to admit I was naïve and foolhardy when I became a policeman. To say I was shocked into grasping the harsh reality of life in Stepney would be an understatement. Fortunately, I had Sergeant Conway’s patient assistance to guide me through the worst of it and his sincere praise when things went well. As we all have.”

The others murmured their agreement.

“A toast.” Inspector Jones raised his mug. “To Sergeant John Conway; without whom none of us would be where we are today.”

“Sergeant Conway!” the others cried and drained their mugs.

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